Home » Poems » Caren Krutsinger » The Listener

The Listener

They stop and tell me bit by bit
Their side of the tale
I am careful to not divulge that I have heard
Six other versions
Six other sides
Encouraging them to continue
So I have a few more pieces
And they will continue to stop by and trust me
I listen hard,
Not interjecting.
Not suggesting.
Not interrupting.
It is difficult, but it helps them to keep coming.

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Nette Onclaud

Date: 3/15/2019 7:11:00 PM

as a counselor on the side, i was taught how to listen with empathy... ohh, i still try each day, care,.. fine work!... huggs

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 3/16/2019 1:18:00 AM

Thank you so much, my friend.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/15/2019 6:47:00 PM

very very good. The cleverness of one who "listens."

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 3/16/2019 1:36:00 AM

It is not always easy, but I force myself, knowing they will not come back if I violate their trust or give suggestions.

Panagiota Romios

Date: 3/15/2019 4:39:00 PM

caren, help. On my page the edit thingie is gone. do you know what the symbol to the left means? I enlarged the page and still cannot figure out what it is.I know I will not touch it. Lost in space, Panagiota

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 3/16/2019 1:23:00 AM

Panagiota, this is how I edit. Go to Member area (in black) on the top left. Go down to Manage Poems (the 4th line down). Click on Manage Poems. When you get there, the edit PEN should be there, and you can edit. You have to remember to hit SAVE at the end. Let me know if it does not work.

Sheri Fresonke Harper

Date: 3/15/2019 4:33:00 PM

Sounds like you have many friends, all those tale bringing friends with lots of stories. Good attitude, it offers a good way to think about friends, enjoyed reading it.

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 3/16/2019 1:37:00 AM

I work in an elementary school, Sheri. I am the school counselor. The children come during the day. The teachers come during their break times or before or after school. I would have a coffee pot but it would be dangerous with so many children who pop in and out sometimes when I am in a classroom teaching.

Panagiota Romios

Date: 3/15/2019 4:30:00 PM

Caren, listening is something we all need to do. Shutting u and let others speak gives them space to be! Thank you for everything thing.,including listening to me. Love, Panagiota.

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 3/16/2019 1:38:00 AM

You are welcome for anything I have done. Ha! I like listening; it is the way I get STORY ideas! I am usually jotting down ideas all the time. On napkins, paper towels, grocery receipts, anything I can find at that moment.